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Ed wrote:
>
> Thanks to all for their responses.
>
> I guess I should have given the specific context of my question. The
> resistance in question
> is that of the primary winding of an ignition coil, more specifically
> a 2-coil pack as used on
> the GM 3.8L V6 engine. The spec is 0.5- 0.8 Ohms. By subtracting the
> short resistance of
> the meter(s) I get about 0.4 for each of the 3 coil packs. The dealer
> replaced them because
> they were "out of spec," although the tech didn't record the actual
> readings he got. The
> charge was close to $300, parts and labor. Unfortunately, it didn't
> fix the problem, which
> is an intermittent engine miss. Right now I'm trying to get my facts
> together to approach the
> dealer for possible refund or credit towards a second try at fixing
> the car. At the same time
> I'm under pressure at home to get on over to the Toyota dealer.
>
>
>
> Ed
Hi, Ed. Seconding Mr. Monsen here. They're moving cars through the
service bays, and trying to fix things as quickly as possible. It
looks like they made a mistake in thinking that the coil was the cause
of the problem, even if it was out of spec.
One thing you might try that I've found helpful. It's kind of like
going to the doctor with a list of symptroms and things you want to
ask. Write down in your own words what you're experiencing with the
intermittent, and especially when the intermittent happens
(particularly during condensing humidity, only when the engine is warm
or cold, when it's below or above a certain temp out, when it's
raining, &c). Make two copies. Make sure the service rep writing your
job ticket attaches a copy of your observations to the job ticket.
Never miss a chance to communicate directly with the tech actually
troubleshooting your problem.
If you have a problem with any technical service, take it back as soon
as you discover the problem wasn't fixed, while the problem is still
fresh in the mind of the person who worked on it. Nothing spurs a
little extra effort in a conscientious tech faster than an immediate
"Wrong -- try again". And there's no easier time to negotiate about
the charges.
Oh, and by the way -- if your sparkplug wires are more than 3 years
old, and you're having intermittent misfiring, you should replace them
as a matter of principle. You can't really troubleshoot them. And get
the good ones -- the cheapies aren't worth it.
If you found this advice of help, Rich Grise keeps the tip jar for
s.e.b. ;-)
Good luck
Chris
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